A jewelers loupe is a very handy thing to keep available in your shirt pocket when you are considering buying something.
My best one was made in India, is 10X, has a plastic body, and only cost me $1.50 at a rock and gem show.
My biggest disappointment in a jewelers loupe is one that is also 10X and made in Switzerland. It cost $30.00 plus shipping and I assumed that since the Swiss make great watches, they must also make great jewelers loupes. But this one is no where near the image quality of the inexpensive one made in India.
Here are my unsolicited suggestions for what to look for in a jewelers loupe:
1. I think 10X is ideal.
2. Look for one that has a glass rather than a plastic lens.
3. Look for one that has a metal body (even though my favorite has a plastic body) because it will be more durable.
4. Look for one in which the image is clear and in focus all the way to the outside of the field of view. You'd be surprised how many of these, even the expensive ones, get a blurry image around the outside of the field of view.
5. It is handier if it comes with its own little cloth carring bag too.
Mauser720 - Ron
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